thiopurine
A purine antimetabolite.
Antimetabolites disrupt nucleic acid synthesis by interfering with production of a major nucleotide metabolite or by substituting for the natural metabolite.
It is used as an anticancer, immunosuppressant, and anti-inflammatory agent.
They are widely used in the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia and other diseases by suppressing inflammation and slowing down the body's immune response.
Like most cytotoxic anticancer agents, they are toxic to normal cells, especially those in the bone marrow and gastrointestinal tract. Anticancer agents exert their cytotoxic effects by interfering with the DNA synthesis.
These drugs have a steroid-sparing potential and are widely used for the purpose of maintaining long-term remission in steroid-dependent cases.
(Examples)
• 6-thioguanine
• 6-mercaptopurine
• azathioprine
(Indications)
• acute lymphoblastic leukemia
• autoimmune disorders (e.g. Crohn's disease, rheumatoid arthritis, relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis)
• inflammatory bowel disease (esp. ulcerative colitis)
• organ transplant (recipients)